There are at least nine ways to experience the mighty force that is Niagara, a two hour drive from Toronto. Helicopters whirl over head or you can go to the top of the Konica Minolta Tower but if you've no head for heights you could don sturdy walking shoes and head down stream on foot on the White Water Walk right next to the raging waters. Millions of gallons are forced through the gorge, resulting in one of the wildest stretches of white water in the world. The Walk is open from April to October and located in the Niagara Gorge 3.2 kilometres down river from the Falls.
Maid of the Mist
For a really close up look take the Maid of the Mist Boat. The boat cruises through the mist to the base of the American Falls and then to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Don't worry, like so many Niagara attractions waterproof plastic macs are included in the ticket price!
If the Maid of the Mist doesn't thrill you then accept the challenge of the rapids in a Jet boat. As you speed toward the stonewalled canyon of the Falls the tension mounts and the water slaps down against your face but once again, those famous yellow mackintoshes are included in the price.
Naturally, if you would rather stay dry, there are several local tour operators offering tours lead by experienced guides. For example, Info Niagara gives information about companies offering Adventure Tours, Honeymoon Tours and all sorts of other tours visiting points of interest that you might not otherwise see.
Bus Tours Round Niagara
For a more traditional trip you could take a London double-deck tour bus for a 30-mile tour. A narrative is provided by a qualified guide. This includes entrance to many of Niagara’s major attractions at a considerable discount. Tours begin daily at approximately 9:30 am, from the beginning of April to the end of October.
There is also public transport on modern carpeted, air-conditioned coaches. The People Mover is a public "loop" scheme operating from end April to mid-October. You can travel all day for a fixed low price. The round-trip tour from the main terminal beside the Falls to the Floral Clock and back is 30 km (19 miles). The Niagara Parks People Mover buses travel through the Niagara Parkway. This is one of the prettiest drives in the world especially at Christmas when the Parkway is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights. You can hop on or off as many times as you like anywhere along the route. This is a good way of seeing the area if you’ve already spent time visiting Niagara’s main attractions. Information regarding this drive can be found at the same link for the White Water Walk mentioned above.
Niagara Illuminations
And finally, as the evening draws in look down one last time to see the spectacular illuminations. The Falls were first illuminated in 1860 to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales. There was no electricity and the lamps were called Bengal Lights. In the 21st Century Xenon spotlights are used to light the Falls. One visitor in the 1940s said: "To see the Falls at night is to be wide awake in the land of dreams" and, as far as I can see, nothing has changed.
The official Niagara Falls Tourism site provides full details of all activities mentioned above.
